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Newly appointed Pathways Performance Manager Andy Patmore catches up with to outline his new role.

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What is the role of the pathways performance manager?

It’s a new position for the club and it’s about identifying talent within the organisation. We bring those kids in and identify their strengths and weaknesses. There is a focus on making sure we transition the kids from SG Ball to the under 20s and eventually on to the NRL group.

Is there an emphasis on the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and NYC kids?

At these grades we need to identify local talent and give these kids an opportunity to be excellerated through the high performance unit. Those exceptional kids will be given an excellerated pathways – access to NRL coaching, basic technique work in kicking, passing and tackling. We need to ensure that good talent transfers across into the higher levels.

Will you implement Des’ program?

It’s not only about pushing up, but it’s about filtering down. Basic techniques will come from the NRL down , our footy structures and the way we need to play will all be filtered down. Those main themes will go right through to our Harold Matthews group.

Is there a focus on the local juniors?

Absolutely! We have some exceptional kids. Our Harold Matthews group this year is all juniors and there are some really talented kids. We need to make sure those kids transition through and it’s just not luck. We need to take all the luck and natural talent out of it, and add to that by making sure these kids come across and play NRL for us.

Are you excited about the role?

It’s different and not having my own team this year will be a change, but I basically get to go right across the whole organisation and tie all those ends together.